Combined clock and audio broadcast receiver with automatic chimes

ABSTRACT

A clock utilized in conjunction with a broadcast receiver is coordinated with a control so that a pre-recorded audible time chime signal is automatically played directly through the loudspeaker of the receiver. The clock and control cause the chime signal to be played through the speaker, whether the receiver switch is in on or off position. When the receiver is on and broadcast material is being directed through the speaker, the control substitutes the chime signal for the broadcast material. The control system is connected between the clock and the audio stage of the receiver and is adapted to by-pass the receiver&#39;&#39;s on-off switch to provide power to the receiver in the event the switch is in off position. The control is actuated by a switch which is responsive to the position of a clock shaft and, in the embodiment shown, includes a pair of tape reels which are driven in forward and reverse direction in response to control signals on the tape. The tape is four track and includes a pair of control signal channels and a pair of audio chime channels, one of each channel being provided for each direction of tape movement. The tape direction is reversed at either end in response to control signals, to thereby provide a continuously operating automatic system. The chime changes with the change in time to provide the correct time of day.

United States Patent 1 Johnson [451 Mar.5, W74

[ COMBINED CLOCK AND AUDIO BROADCAST RECEWER WITH AUTOMATKC ClllMES [76] Inventor: Albert C. Johnson, 616 Lake 22 Filed: May5,1971

[21] Appl. No.: 140,517

[52] US. Cl 325/396, 179/1001 C, 179/1002 S [51] Int. Cl. H04h 1/16 [58] Field of Search... 325/396; 179/1001, 100.2 S,

179/1001 C, 6 TA [56] References Cited Primary ExaminerBenedict V. Safourek Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Andrus, Sceales, Starke & Sawall ABSTRACT A clock utilized in conjunction with a broadcast receiver is coordinated with a control so that a prerecorded audible time chime signal is automatically played directly through the loudspeaker of the receiver. The clock and control cause the chime signal to be played through the speaker, whether the receiver switch is in on or off position. When the receiver is on and broadcast material is being directed through the speaker, the control substitutes the chime signal for the broadcast material. The control system is connected between the clock and the audio stage of the receiver and is adapted to by-pass the receivers on-off switch to provide power to the receiver in the event the switch is in off position. The control is actuated by a switch which is responsive to the position of a clock shaft and, in the embodiment shown, includes a pair of tape reels which are driven in forward and reverse direction in response to control signals on the tape. The tape is four track and includes a pair of control signal channels and a pair of audio chime channels, one of each channel being provided for each direction of tape movement. The tape direction is reversed at either end in response to control signals, to thereby provide a continuously operating automatic system. The chime changes with the change in time to provide the correct time of day.

9 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures I COMBINED CLOCK AND AUDIO BROAST RECEIVER WITH AUTOMATIC CRIMES BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a combined clock and audio broadcast receiver with automatic chimes, and more particularly to a clock radio or TV with clock which is provided with chimes to signal the passing of time.

Clock radios are a popular modern convenience, and TV sets with clocks have recently been introduced. Heretofore, the clocks have been utilized to visually tell time and often to control the on-off functions of the set, or possibly of some external appliance. To the knowledge of the inventor, none of these receivers have utilized the clock to provide an audible chime to indicate a time interval, such as an hour, half-hour or quarterhour.

The present invention is directed to a unique concept wherein a clock utilized in conjunction with a broadcast receiver is coordinated with a control so that a prerecorded audible time chime signal is automatically played directly through the loudspeaker of the receiver. Further in accordance with the invention, the clock and control cause the chime signal to be played through the speaker, whether the receiver switch is in on or off position. When the receiver is on and broadcast material is being directed through the speaker, the control substitutes the chime signal for the broadcast material.

More particularly, the control system is connected between the clock and the audio stage of the receiver and is adapted to by-pass the receivers on-off switch to provide power to the receiver in the event the switch is in off position. The control is actuated by a switch which is responsive to the position of a clock shaft and, in the embodiment shown, includes a pair of tape reels which are driven in forward and reverse direction in response to control signals on the tape. The tape is four track and includes a pair of control signal channels and a pair of audio chime channels, one of each channel being provided for each direction of tape movement. The tape direction is reversed at either end in response to control signals, to thereby provide a continuously operating automatic system. The chime changes with the change in time to provide the correct time of day.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The accompanying drawing illustrates the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram ofa device constructed in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic showing ofa portion of the prerecorded tape, and including a reference scale.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As shown in FIG. 1 of the drawing, the concept of the invention is contemplated for use with a broadcast receiver, such as a radio 1 having associated therewith, either integrally or even separate therefrom, a clock 2.

Radio 1 may be battery operated, but is shown as connected to an outside electrical source through power lines 3, 4. In either event, power to the radio is controlled by a manually operable on-off switch 5 disposed in power line 4. Radio 1 also includes an antenna line 6 which provides the input to a broadcasting receiving stage 7, which in turn, feeds through lines 8, 9 to an audio amplifier stage 10. Stage 10 connects through aduio lines Ill, 12 to loudspeaker 13.

Clock 2 may be of any suitable type and includes a plurality of shafts which rotate at different speeds. The invention contemplates that the chimes are to be played at hourly, half-hour or quarter-hour intervals. A continuously rotatable clock shaft 14 is used to initiate operation of the system, and includes a single control cam 15 thereon. Cam l5 closes a normally open switch 16, as will be described. When a single cam 15 is used, shaft 14 must be chosen so that it makes one complete rotation in the time interval desired. If several cams are used, shaft 14 must rotate in the desired interval between cams. In the present embodiment, it will be assumed that shaft 14 rotates completely once per hour.

The control system of the invention includes means to supply an audible chime signal to speaker 13. For this purpose, a pair of tape supply reels l7, 18 are provided with a magnetic recording tape 19 of finite length extending therebetween. The reel-tape assembly may be of the popular cassette or cartridge type if desired. Reels 17, 18 are driven in both directions in any suitable weIl-known manner, as by a reversible motor 20. As tape 19 travels between reels, it passes a pick-up head 21 of any suitable well-known type.

Head 21 is ll-track in nature to correspond with the four tracks on tape 19. Referring to FIG. 2, tape 19 is pre-recorded and the tracks comprise two forward tracks identified as chime track A and control track A, and two reverse tracks identified as chime track B and control track B.

Chime track A is provided with audio chime portions 22 which are longitudinally spaced apart and prerecorded with progressively increasing time interval chimes, together with Westminister type melody portions 23 if desired. Thus, that portion of the track A shown includes ll oclock and 12 oclock chimes, although the track in its entirety would likely include from 1 oclock to 12 oclock. Chime track B is adapted for reverse travel and also includes similar spaced audio chime portions 24, those shown being for 1-3 oclock. I

Control tracks A and B are provided with longitudinally spaced control signal portions 25, 26 which are coextensive with and overlappingly extend beyond their respective audio chime portions 22 and 24.

A reversing signal portion 27, of metal foil or the like, is provided adjacent the tape end and is shown in FIG. 2 as on chime track A only. A further reversing control signal portion 28 is provided on control track B for purposes to be described. Portion 28 is coextensive with portion 27 and extends beyond it. Since it is contemplated that the tape operate over long periods of time without attention, similar reversing portions would also be disposed at the other tape end.

Tape chime and control tracks A and B provide the input to tape head 21. The outputs of the head comprise four pair of leads: leads 29, 30 corresponding to chime track A; leads 31, 32 corresponding to chime track B; leads 33, 34 corresponding to control track A; and leads 35, 36 corresponding to control track B.

As shown, lead 31 joins lead 29 and lead 30 joins lead 32, with leads 29 and 32 providing the audio signal connection to receiver receiving stage 7. Similarly, lead 34 joins lead 36, with leads 33 and 35 providing the input connection to a signal amplifier 37. The output leads 38, 39 of amplifier 37 are connected to a holding solenoid 40, for purposes to be described.

Tape reverse control switches 41a, 41b are positioned in the tape path adjacent respective reels l7, l8 and are connected in lines 42, 43 respectively.

Motor 20 is connected through a suitable motor reversing relay unit 44 to leads 45, 46.

A system initiating solenoid 47 is disposed in lead 48, which forms a branch of line 42, the latter also containing switch 16. Solenoids 40 and 47 are in line and are designed to actuate, as will be described: (a) motor energizing switch 49 in line 46, (b) antenna grounding switch 50 in line 6, and (c) by-pass switch 51 in line 4. Switches 49, 50 and 51 are normally open, as shown.

A pair of solenoids 52, 53 are disposed in respective lines 42 and 43 and are in line for control of: (a) motor reversing switch 54, disposed in a lead 55 connected to relay 44, (b) control track A switch 56 in line 33, (c) chime track A switch 57 in line 29, (d) chime track B switch 58 in line 31, and (e) control track B switch 59 in line 35. Switches 54 and 56-59 have no normal position.

OPERATION For purposes of describing the operation of the device, it will be assumed that tape has been winding forwardly from reel 17 to reel 18, and that the tape at head 21 is stopped at on reference scale 60 in FIG. 2, or just before the l l oclock chime. Solenoids 40 and 47 are not energized, so that switches 49-51 are open. Solenoids 52 and 53 and also de-energized, but the last energization of solenoid 53 closed switches 54, 56 and 57 and opened switches 58 and 59, as shown.

The broadcast receiver switch 5 may be in either on or off position.

It is l 1 oclock. Clock shaft 14 turns to a known angular position so that cam closes switch 16. This energizes system initiating solenoid 47 to close switches 49-51. Switch 49 energizes motor and the tape drive and switch 50 grounds out and disconnects the receiver input signal from antenna line 6 so that ifa program is being played, it will stop. Also, switch 51 by-passes switch 5 to turn the receiver on if it is off.

Tape 19 feeds across head 21 towards reel 18. Control track A control signal portion 25, starting at about 14 on scale 60, starts to move across head 21, transmitting the signal through switch 56 to amplifier 37 and hence to energize solenoid 40. Shortly after this, the continued turning of cam 15 permits switch 16 to open, which de-energizes solenoid 47, and solenoid 40 now substitutes for solenoid 48 and alone maintains switches 495l closed.

Shortly after single signal portion starts across head 21, a single audio track A portion 22, 23 begins passing the head. See 16 on scale 60. The chime is transmitted through switch 57 to receiver 7 and is broadcast through speaker 13.

At the termination of the audio chime, control signal portion 25 continues for a few seconds. See 55 on scale 60. When portion 25 terminates, solenoid 40 is deenergized and the system returns to the original inactive condition.

The 12 oclock chime would operate in the same manner as described above. However, at the end of this chime, the respective control signal portion 25 extends well beyond audio portion 22 so that the tape keeps moving until reversing signal portion 27 contacts and closes switch 40. This energizes solenoid 52 to open switches 54, 56 and 57 and close switches 58 and 59. Switch 54 thereby acts through relay 44 to reverse the drive direction of motor 20. Switches 56 and 57 thereby disconnect audio and control tracks A from receiver 7 and amplifier 37, respectively. Closing of switches 58 and 59 now connect audio and control track B to receiver 7 and amplifier 37, respectively,

Control portion 28 on track B takes over immediately to feed tape 19 toward reel 17 long enough to move signal portion 27 from switch 410 back onto the reel, thus opening the switch. The system will again become inactive until 1 oclock.

When cam 15 closes switch 16, similar events will occur as described above in relation to l 1 oclock, except that the control signal from control track B will be fed through now closed switch 59 to amplifier 37, and the audio chime from audio track B will be fed through now closed switch 58 to receiving stage 7. Thereafter, at every selected time interval, the chime action sequence will operate. When reel 18 is almost exhausted, a reversing signal portion on the tape, similar to portion 27 and not shown, will close switch 41b and reverse the systems condition and operation.

While the clock and electrical control system is contemplated as being integral with the broadcast received with its housing and frame, they could be separately housed without departing from the spirit of the invention. Also, if a reversing system isnt desired, certain broad concepts of the invention could still be utilized with a so-called endless tape system. Furthermore, if desired, a manual switch (not shown) could be placed in lead 48 to de-activate the chime system altogether.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention:

1. A device for signalling the passing of time comprising, in combination:

a. a broadcast receiver having a signal input means connected to a signal processing circuit for driving a speaker,

b. a clock operatively associated with said receiver,

c. means including a record means having a plurality of chime signals carried therein and being responsive to said clock for playing one of said prerecorded audible time chime signals through said signal processing circuit and broadcast receiver speaker automatically at desired time intervals, each of said chime signals being related to different times and changing commensurate with the change in time to provide an audio indication of the correct time of day, and

d. switch means for actuating of said receiver and including selection means to operate the receiver to process the broadcast signals and having automatic clock responsive means to activate said signal processing circuit independently of said selection means and to simultaneously operate said record means for a preselected time and thereby provide for playing of said pre-recorded chime signals through said speaker.

2. The device of claim 1:

a. which includes an on-off switch for said receiver,

b. and wherein said signal playing means includes means to automatically by-pass said switch so that said chime signal is played through said broadcast receiver speaker whether said switch is in on or off position.

3. The device of claim 1:

a. wherein said receiver includes means to receive transmitted broadcasts and play them through said receiver speaker,

b. and wherein said signal playing means includes means operable to automatically substitute said chime signal for said transmitted broadcast at said receiver speaker.

4. The device of claim 1:

a. wherein said receiver includes means to receive transmitted broadcasts and play them through said speaker,

b. which includes an on-off switch for actuating said last-named means,

c. wherein said signal playing means is operable through said speaker whether said switch is in on or off position,

(1. and wherein said signal playing means is operable to substitute said chime signal for said transmitted broadcast when said switch is in on position.

5. A device for signalling the passing of time comprising, in combination:

a. a broadcast receiver having a broadcast signal receiving input and a speaker,

b. a clock having a continuously rotatable shaft,

c. a tape mechanism including:

1. tape supply means,

2. a magnetic tape,

3. a tape head over which said tape extends,

4. and a motor for driving, said tape supply means to feed said tape across said head,

d. said tape having time chimes pre-recorded along the length thereof in a plurality of longitudinally spaced sections corresponding to progressively increasing times, said sections providing an input to said head,

e. said head having an audio output operably connected to said receiver,

f. means responsive to the angular position of said clock shaft to:

1. disconnect a broadcast signal at said receiver in- 2. and initiate operation of said motor to feed a single time chime section of said tape across said head so that the chime signal is fed to the head output and to said receiver and speaker,

g. and means to stop said motor and reconnect said receiver input to a broadcast signal when said single time chime section has passed said head.

6. In the device of claim 5:

a. an on-off switch for said broadcast receiver,

b. and means responsive to the angular position of said clock shaft to by-pass said switch so that said chime signal will be played through said speaker whether said switch is in on or off position.

7. In the device of claim 5:

a. a plurality of longitudinally spaced prerecorded control signal portions on said tape, with said portions being generally co-extensive with said time chime sections,

b. said portions comprising a second input to said head,

c. said shaft position responsive means including an initiating control,

d. a holding control,

e. a second head output,

f. and means responsive to said second head output,

as a control signal portion passes said head, to actuate said holding control to substitute the latter control for said initiating control as said shaft continues to rotate.

8. The device of claim 7 in which said holding control activating means serves as the motor stopping and receiver input reconnecting means by de-activating said holding control when a said control signal portion passes beyond said head.

9. The device of claim 7:

a. wherein said tape and head are of the 4-track type and which includes a secondary plurality of longitudinally spaced time chime sections on a third track as well as a second plurality of longitudinally spaced pre-recorded control signal portions on a fourth track,

b. one of each said sections and portions being recorded for reverse play,

c. wherein said motor is reversible,

d. and means for reversing said motor when said tape has reached a predetermined point for subsequent playing of said second chime sections and control by said second control signal portions.

V UNITED stares errant artist {CERTIFEQATE QQRRETN Patent'No. 3,795,866 Dated March 5, 1974 Inventor(S) Albert C Johnson It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Page 1, Inventor's address 61.6 Lake View Ave."

Col. 3, line 36, delete "and" second Occurrence, should read "'2'? v, \J r". a Col. 5, line 39, delete these-aria {J arter "driving" Col. 6, line 38, delete "secondary' and substitute therefor '---second-- Claim 4 has been printed in its original unamended form rather than as amended in Amendment dated October 27, 1972, and should read as follows --4.- The device of claim 1:

(a) wherein said broadcast receiver includes means to receive transmitted broadcasts and play them through said receiver speaker, Y

' (b) which includes an on-off switch for actuating said last-named means,

(c) wherein said signal playing means includes means to automatically by-pass said switch so that said chime signal is received through said broadcast receiver speaker whether said switch is in on or off position,

1 (d) and wherein said signal playing means includes means operable to automatically substitute said chime signal for said transmitted broadcast at said receiver speaker when said switch is in on position.

Signed and sealed this 1st day of October 1974,

(SEAL) Attest: I

MCCOY M. GIBSON JR. Co DANN Attesting Officer- Commissioner of Patents FORM 0-1050 (10-69) USCOMM.DC 0375 359 U 5 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFKCE: i969 0-366-334.

andsubstitute therefor -al East Lake View Ave. 

1. A device for signalling the passing of time comprising, in combination: a. a broadcast receiver having a signal input means connected to a signal processing circuit for driving a speaker, b. a clock operatively associated with said receiver, c. means including a record means having a plurality of chime signals carried therein and being responsive to said clock for playing one of said prerecorded audible time chime signals through said signal processing circuit and broadcast receiver speaker automatically at desired time intervals, each of said chime signals being related to different times and changing commensurate with the change in time to provide an audio indication of the correct time of day, and d. switch means for actuating of said receiver and including selection means to operate the receiver to process the broadcast signals and having automatic clock responsive means to activate said signal processing circuit independently of said selection means and to simultaneously operate said record means for a preselected time and thereby provide for playing of said pre-recorded chime signals through said speaker.
 2. The device of claim 1: a. which includes an on-off switch for said receiver, b. and wherein said signal playing means includes means to automatically by-pass said switch so that said chime signal is played through said broadcast receiver speaker whether said switch is in on or off position.
 2. and initiate operation of said motor to feed a single time chime section of said tape across said head so that the chime signal is fed to the head output and to said receiver and speaker, g. and means to stop said motor and reconnect said receiver input to a broadcast signal when said single time chime section has passed said head.
 2. a magnetic tape,
 3. a tape head over which said tape extends,
 3. The device of claim 1: a. wherein said receiver includes means to receive transmitted broadcasts and play them through said receiver speaker, b. and wherein said signal playing means includes means operable to automatically substitute said chime signal for said transmitted broadcast at said reCeiver speaker.
 4. and a motor for driving, said tape supply means to feed said tape across said head, d. said tape having time chimes pre-recorded along the length thereof in a plurality of longitudinally spaced sections corresponding to progressively increasing times, said sections providing an input to said head, e. said head having an audio output operably connected to said receiver, f. means responsive to the angular position of said clock shaft to:
 4. The device of claim 1: a. wherein said receiver includes means to receive transmitted broadcasts and play them through said speaker, b. which includes an on-off switch for actuating said last-named means, c. wherein said signal playing means is operable through said speaker whether said switch is in on or off position, d. and wherein said signal playing means is operable to substitute said chime signal for said transmitted broadcast when said switch is in on position.
 5. A device for signalling the passing of time comprising, in combination: a. a broadcast receiver having a broadcast signal receiving input and a speaker, b. a clock having a continuously rotatable shaft, c. a tape mechanism including:
 6. In the device of claim 5: a. an on-off switch for said broadcast receiver, b. and means responsive to the angular position of said clock shaft to by-pass said switch so that said chime signal will be played through said speaker whether said switch is in on or off position.
 7. In the device of claim 5: a. a plurality of longitudinally spaced prerecorded control signal portions on said tape, with said portions being generally co-extensive with said time chime sections, b. said portions comprising a second input to said head, c. said shaft position responsive means including an initiating control, d. a holding control, e. a second head output, f. and means responsive to said second head output, as a control signal portion passes said head, to actuate said holding control to substitute the latter control for said initiating control as said shaft continues to rotate.
 8. The device of claim 7 in which said holding control activating means serves as the motor stopping and receiver input reconnecting means by de-activating said holding control when a said control signal portion passes beyond said head.
 9. The device of claim 7: a. wherein said tape and head are of the 4-track type and which includes a secondary plurality of longitudinally spaced time chime sections on a third track as well as a second plurality of longitudinally spaced pre-recorded control signal portions on a fourth track, b. one of each said sections and portions being recorded for reverse play, c. wherein said motor is reversible, d. and means for reversing said motor when said tape has reached a predetermined point for subsequent playing of said second chime sections and control by said second control signal portions. 